apo-Transferrin (aTF) is an endogenous iron chelator and shows protective effects in the host by scavenging free iron and preventing the formation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). It shows a therapeutic effect against thalassemia.
[4] After the release of iron, receptor-bound apo-transferrin reaches the cell surface instead of being transported to lysosomes for degradation. The cell surface has a neutral pH that promotes the release of apo-transferrin from its receptor, where it can again circulate and bind additional iron to undergo further rounds of iron delivery to cells.